NewcastleWorld asked Eddie Howe whether Nick Pope and the goalkeeper position has become a problem for the team.
Eddie Howe deflected a question on whether Newcastle United need to improve on Nick Pope this summer.
The Toon keeper has come under fire following Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat to Everton. Pope was at fault for Everton’s second goal - which came seconds after the Magpies equalised - as he spilled Dwight McNeil’s long-range effort straight to Toffees striker Beto.
Newcastle were their own worst enemy as they fought back deep in the second half only to concede cheaply yet again. However, many fans were stuck on Pope’s error at the full-time whistle, especially given his howlers against Celtic, West Ham United, Brentford and Marseille in recent months.
Eddie Howe bluntly answers Nick Pope question
NewcastleWorld asked Howe whether Pope has become a weakness and if the goalkeeping spot is a top priority for the summer transfer window. He replied: “I think it's difficult for me to comment on any one player or position.
“Collectively, we have to defend our goal better. That's everyone across the board. That's me taking responsibility for that first and filtering that down to the players.”
‘Perils of Europe’ - Eddie Howe
Howe believes there is a direct correlation between Newcastle competing in Europe and struggling to perform at Premier League level. But as for yesterday, Everton faced Manchester United just 24 hours before the Magpies hosted a dead rubber against Qarabag.
"Certainly with relation to the Premier League, our form for a while has not been strong enough, not been good enough,” Howe said. “We know that and take responsibility for that. It is really frustrating for us and that is the perils of Europe.
"We have tried to be laser-focused on every game. We have given every attention to every game with the same importance. But with a deluge of games, your focus can be swayed. Our Premier League return in recent weeks has been nowhere near the level it has been historically.
"Our home form has been so reliable (historically), but it has tailed off, and we have to grab that back as quickly as possible. When we are playing here, we want this to be the place where we pick up the most points and a place where players feel free to play and through our own performances that hasn't been the case."
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